Ernest J. Gaines and Grant Wiggins have numerous similarities that have led many to believe that Gaines based the novel A Lesson Before Dying on his life. The similarities between the two men are very significant as the similarities are the basis of the story. For example, both are African-Americans that lived in Louisiana. They both were born on a plantation and later went on to university. After researching Gaines life, I alongside with many others believe that Gaines based the novel A Lesson Before Dying on his life experiences, as well as the people he encountered in his life. For example His aunt Jefferson I don’t think that it is important to learn about the life of the author as for many novels including A Lesson Before Dying, the authors
